Why We Do This Work: Three School Social Workers Reflect on Purpose, Impact, and Hope.

Every school social worker has a story.

A moment that reminded them why they chose this profession.

A student they never forgot.

A family they walked alongside.

A crisis that tested everything they knew.

Or perhaps someone who believed in them when they needed it most.

During a special conversation at SSWAA's 2026 National Conference, Associate Executive Director Capella Hauer sat down with three remarkable school social workers—Emily Phares, Jennifer Montes, and Pachovia Lovett—to reflect on the profession they love and the moments that continue to inspire them.

https://youtu.be/N7LUkHqv0tQ

Although each journey was unique, one message became unmistakably clear:

School social work changes lives—often in ways we don't immediately see.

More Than Crisis Response

When asked what surprises people most about school social work, the panelists didn't hesitate. Many people simply don't understand the depth of what school social workers do.

Emily Phares explained that school social workers are highly trained clinicians whose expertise is often overlooked. Too frequently, they're viewed as the people who "fill the gaps" instead of being recognized for their clinical knowledge, assessment skills, and ability to support students experiencing complex mental health challenges.

Jennifer Montes expanded that idea even further.

School social workers don't just support individual students—they support entire communities.

Parents.

Grandparents.

Caregivers.

Teachers.

Faith leaders.

Community organizations.

"Our reach extends far beyond the classroom," she shared.

Pachovia Lovett echoed both perspectives, reminding listeners that school social workers uniquely bridge prevention and intervention, helping students thrive before challenges escalate while also responding when crises occur.

Together, their reflections painted a picture of a profession that is both broad and deeply impactful.

The Moments That Stay With You

Perhaps the most powerful part of the conversation came when each panelist shared the moment that reaffirmed why they chose school social work.

For Pachovia, that reminder came through watching school social workers continue supporting communities recovering from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

Long after emergency responders left, school social workers remained—helping children, families, and communities rebuild one day at a time.

"It's beautiful," she reflected. "They're still there doing the work."

For Emily, the journey began much earlier.

As an elementary school student and survivor of a school shooting, she remembers the school social worker who helped her school begin to heal.

Years later, she entered the profession hoping to offer that same support to others.

Today, she finds purpose not only in serving students but in meeting former students who tell her she inspired them to become school social workers themselves.

For Jennifer, the reminder came unexpectedly during her first day as a university professor.

One of her students recognized her—not from the university, but from elementary school.

The student shared how Jennifer's kindness, encouragement, and support years earlier had inspired her to pursue social work herself.

Sometimes, the greatest impact isn't visible until years later.

Those stories are reminders that school social workers often plant seeds whose growth they may never witness.

Seeing the Whole Child

When asked what they wish educators and decision-makers better understood, all three panelists returned to a common theme:

Students cannot learn if their basic needs aren't being met.

Whether it's housing instability, trauma, mental health concerns, family challenges, or physical health needs, school social workers help remove barriers that stand between students and learning.

As Jennifer explained, until students feel safe and supported, academic success becomes much more difficult to achieve.

The panelists also emphasized the importance of recognizing the value school social workers bring to school systems—not only during crises but every single day through prevention, intervention, collaboration, and advocacy.

Finding Your "Why"

As the conversation came to a close, Capella reflected on something many attendees experience each year.

The SSWAA National Conference isn't simply about earning professional development hours.

It's about reconnecting with your purpose.

It's about finding community.

It's about remembering that you're not doing this work alone.

For many attendees, the conference becomes the reminder they need before returning to their schools, students, and communities with renewed energy and inspiration.

Sometimes all it takes is hearing someone else's story to remember your own.

Continue the Conversation

Every school social worker has a "why."

What's yours?

Watch the full conversation on YouTube and hear these inspiring stories firsthand.

Already looking ahead?

Join us at a future SSWAA National Conference and experience the learning, community, and inspiration that continue to strengthen our profession.

Because when school social workers come together, we don't just strengthen our practice.

We strengthen one another.